LOCAL residents have raised traffic fears over ambitious plans for a new marina near Coventry.

Artists’ drawings of the planned Hawkesbury Marina and Canal Village went on show to the public this week, illustrating the developer’s vision for a wharf connecting to the Coventry Canal on the site of the disused Hawkesbury Golf Centre.

The proposal comprises of a mixture of uses to drive tourism and business to the area and boost job opportunities.

Developer South Winds Holding wants to build a new marina with berthing for up to 200 narrowboats, with a village with up to 200 homes, offices and public parkland to the north of the site to include cycle routes, towpath walks and play trails.

But while locals welcome the scheme in principle, they told of their concerns about an increase in traffic at a public meeting at The Boat pub in Hawkesbury Village, where the plans were unveiled to give the public a glimpse of how it could look.

Albert Allen, a 69-year-old lifelong resident of the village, said: “The traffic around here is horrendous as it is.

“More homes and offices will just mean more cars and there are no crossings to make it safe.”

His daughter Victoria Allen, aged 26, of Blackhorse Road, added: “It’s a good idea but traffic is a problem.

“I’ve lived here all my life and I’ve watched it change.

“There were lovely fields which have been taken away with developments that have never benefited the community.

“I feel as though we’ve been robbed.”

Kat Coen, aged 22, of Blackhorse Road, said: “I think it will be great for the area because it will bring tourism and jobs.

“The traffic is the only concern I have about it.”

The event formed part of a public consultation and feedback forms were available for people to leave their views.

Lynne Price, chair of Hawkesbury Village Residents’ Association, was adamant the community’s voice will be heard.

“We invited people to come along and give their opinions,” she said.

“Talking to people traffic seems to be the biggest issue and we want to make sure the community has a say on this. I think people are happy to see some form of development but traffic is a concern.”

Julian Knapp, an agent for South Winds Holding, said: “We know there are concerns about the volume of traffic and we are trying to find a happy medium through this meeting.”